Billy Kelleher
Question:17. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to commence Garda recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28277/13]
View answerThursday, 13 June 2013
Questions (17)
Written answers
It is of course the case that a resumption of Garda recruitment, at a time when both overall headcount and the size of the pay bill in the public service must be reduced, would have financial implications that must be managed within the overall resources available to Government. In that context, it is important that the LRC proposals, or what is now known as the Haddington Road Agreement, on saving €1 billion from the public service pay bill, including €300 million this year are fully implemented. I am aware that the Garda associations are currently balloting their members, and I will await the outcome of this process.
Importantly, those proposals contain provisions for a review of the Garda Síochána which would start in September and would include an examination of the structure, organisation and staffing of An Garda Síochána. The outcome of such a review would be an important determining factor in any final decision on Garda staffing levels.
However, and whatever the approved staffing complement might be at any time, I do believe that it is important for an organisation such as the Garda Síochána to have some regular intakes of new recruits, even if on a modest scale. I am currently engaged in discussion with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to see how this aim can best be progressed.
I do have to again remind the House, however, that the expenditure ceilings for the years 2012 to 2014 planned by the last Government would have resulted in an average of €90 million less for the Garda Síochána budget each year for 2012, 2013 and 2014 than is the case under this Government. Such a scenario would have necessitated a significant further reduction, rather than an increase, in Garda strength.